Melbourne races fashion guide: What you should avoid wearing
BRIGHT suits, neck scarfs and slippers. These are all things you do not want to be caught dead in while you’re in Melbourne this spring.
IT’S just as much about the fashion as it is about the horses at Victoria’s Spring Carnival Races.
But there have been some seriously questionable outfits over the years, from Geoffrey Edelsten’s canary yellow suit to former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons’ gaudy purple vest and hot pink cravat.
But something you probably didn’t know about the Melbourne races is there are some pretty strict guidelines in place for members to look their best and some of them are pretty weird.
Here is the official dress code to ensure you stand out for the right reasons.
NO PANTS TUCKED IN SOCKS
So not exactly sure why it was necessary to add this rule to the dress code, surely nobody needs to be told this?
But if you’re a member heading to the Victorian races, you better pull those cuffs out of your socks quick smart, otherwise they’ll turn you away at the door.
Also, unless you’re riding a bike home from work, this look is never acceptable. Ever.
NO SAFARI SUITS, BRIGHT SUITS OR TRACKSUITS
If Prince Charles taught us anything, he taught us safari suits don’t look good.
And you certainly wouldn’t be caught dead in one at something as prestigious at the Melbourne Cup.
There have certainly been some fluorescent suits offending eyes at previous carnivals, and no doubt they’ll make an appearance again this year, but members definitely must steer clear of this trend.
Cravats, a wide strip of fabric worn around the neck, are also banned so any member planning on dressing as Austin Powers should rethink that decision.
Myer Fashions on the Field ambassador Stephanie Smith also suggests not dressing like you’re at a nightclub.
“It’s a classy day event, time to show off your elegant and sophisticated look,” she said.
NO JODHPURS
This rule seems a little strange considering you are at the horse racing.
But apparently, jodhpurs are a big no no.
They aren’t the most flattering thing anyway so there’s no reason why you should wear them. Unless of course you are a jockey.
NO DENIM
At least look like you put in a bit of effort.
You don’t want to show up for the races with the jeans you wore all last weekend, that you haven’t even had a chance to wash yet.
Jeans are just too casual and denim jackets would be even more frowned upon.
Pull on some slacks, it can’t be too hard.
NO GUMBOOTS OR SLIPPERS
Again, not sure why this even needs to be said, but obviously someone out there has tried to sneak into the members section wearing something a little too comfortable.
But if women have to wear heels, men can polish their lace-ups.
You don’t want to look like you’re doing farm work or you’re an 80-year-old grandfather making a cup of tea.
Wearing shoes without socks is also not allowed, so gentlemen, don’t think you can get away with it, the fashion police are onto you.
Ms Smith suggests not wearing brand new shoes, but if you have to, make sure you have Band-Aids on hand.
SO WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Ms Smith said this year men will be wearing earthy tones and shades of grey.
For both men and women, more hats. “The boater-style hats will come out to play for sure,” she said.
“Race wear trends for women at the Melbourne Cup Carnival this year are definitely more feminine, with lace and pastels a strong theme.
“(There’s) a wide variety of millinery trends for women from hats to rose or jewel crowns, so plenty to choose from.”
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